Program Admission

The department admits students in fall, spring and summer semesters. Admissions are
competitive, so students applying need to turn in their application materials no later
than one month prior to the start of the semester they are applying.

The School of Human Environmental Sciences (HESC) follows university admission requirements for
its M.S. program. In addition to University and Graduate School requirements, students must also meet departmental requirements (below) for admission into the
program.

The department’s graduate program committee reads each letter of recommendation carefully,
therefore it is important that the applicants select appropriate writers. Students
should choose letter writers who will be able to speak to the applicant’s potential
success in the M.S. program. The letters of recommendation should assess the applicant’s
strengths, problem solving skills, motivation, and likelihood of completing the program.

Successful M.S. applicants ask their academic advisers, professors, or a past employer
from an internship or job to write their letters of recommendation. The relationship
between the applicant and letter writer will be noted by the graduate program committee.
Applicants should not ask family members or friends or faculty from the area of the
School for which they are applying.

In a few days after completing the application for admission, the Graduate School
will solicit the names and email addresses of those you choose to write letters of
recommendation. Letter writers will then be sent an email from the U of A recognizing
they have been asked to write a letter of recommendation for the applicant. They must
submit their letters online.

A Statement of Purpose is a 1-2 page statement reviewing your background, your interest
in the HESC program, and your future career goals. It should include references to
past academic/professional experiences, but should primarily focus on the future.
You should include the following:

Individual career goals and how this Master’s degree in HESC will facilitate achievement
of those goals.

The specific research interests you hope to explore as you develop a thesis project.
If you are unclear about your thesis, discuss three topics you are aware of that you
would like to explore further through research.

The time frame you have for the completion of the Master’s degree, i.e. the number
of semesters you expect to devote to the completion of this degree.

The three most critical issues facing individuals of all ages and their families,
especially as they relate to your specific area of study, across the next ten years.

Remember, it is an example of your writing ability.

Once accepted, students will be assigned a temporary adviser upon admission based
upon your interest and faculty expertise. Normally, this relationship works well
and no changes are made, but if an adviser change is needed, discuss this with the Graduate Coordinator.